Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Awgu Clay Deposit for its Industrial Potential
Published: 2021-11-23
Page: 603-607
Issue: 2021 - Volume 4 [Issue 4]
Azinta Cyprian Obinna *
Department of Chemical Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Nevo Cornelius Ogochukwu
Department of Chemical Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The chemical composition of raw clay deposit in Awgu Town in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria was evaluated. The chemical property evaluation was done using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, in addition to the determination of the loss on ignition test (L.O.I.) using standard technique. The result of the chemical evaluation revealed that Awgu clay was composed of silica (SiO2), 64.26%; alumina (Al2O3), 21.42%; iron oxide (Fe2O3), 12.54%; potassium oxide (K2 O), 0.19%; titanium oxide (TiO2), 0.78% and other oxides in traces (˂0.1%), and loss on ignition test (L.O.I.) of 5.17%. The results of the chemical evaluation propose that the clay deposit is classified as kaolinite and quartz, and possesses some industrial potentials.
Keywords: Awgu clay, kaolin, quartz, silica, x-ray fluorescence